Historically, axe throwing began as a Scandinavian military discipline in the Viking age. Much, much later, it became a popular event at lumberjack competitions in Canada. Now, axe throwing has become a widely accessible sport in bars and recreation grounds since the early 2000’s. Much like archery, the aim of axe throwing is to hit as close to a bullseye as possible and Brighton offers many ranges to choose from.
Although there is a knack to learning how to throw an axe and have it actually stick into the target (rather than it bouncing off and embarrassing me you) axe throwing is a skill that can be picked up relatively quickly and guarantees a fun time in a couple, or larger group.
Its popularity is no surprise when you consider it’s two key benefits: lobbing an axe at a target is clearly a great stress reliever, and it’s a highly effective workout for your core strength and upper arm muscles. Although the sport might feel intimidating or testosterone-fuelled at first, axe throwing is open to people of all abilities – as the sport is much more about technique than sheer brawn – and can serve as an excellent icebreaker for a date, team building exercise, or some healthy wish fulfilment after a particularly long work week. With a variety of axe throwing ranges and axes to sling, we’ve listed some of the best in Brighton, centrally or further afield.
Hatchet Harry’s
Located in the Imperial Arcade in the centre of Brighton, Hatchet Harry’s began teaching the pastime of axe throwing in indoor ranges in May 2019. Starting with their first range in Newcastle, Hatchet Harry’s saw enough success to open seven more ranges in the UK including their Brighton location.
Hatchet Harry’s have catered for group sizes from two to sixty-six and provide a great opportunity for large groups, stag dos, birthdays, and more. Their sessions run for 90 minutes and are designed for people who have never thrown an axe before. The session includes the teaching of two standard throwing techniques, some friendly competition between your group, and a trick shot session where you will learn several flashy moves including throwing two axes at once. Sessions are open to anybody aged 8 and up, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Once you’ve had your first session with an instructor, and you’ve caught the axe-throwing bug, why not attend Hatchet Harry’s club night? Open every Monday evening from 17:30 – 20:30 you can throw without an instructor, engage in some friendly competition, and even win monthly prizes!
Website: www.hatchetharrys.co.uk
Address: 2 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3FE
QLeisure
Just 6 miles north of Brighton, situated in Albourne, QLeisure provides outdoor activities for birthdays, stag and hen experiences, and team building days. Since 1993, this family owned and run business have been running safe and exciting activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery, go-karting, fire walking, bubble football, and more.
Each activity is hosted in purpose-built areas and their axe throwing range near Brighton is no exception. Their array of 13 outdoor throwing lanes are under cover to shield from adverse weather, and individually caged for optimum safety. Depending on experience, the instructors at QLeisure will guide you through the various throwing techniques required for their range of throwing equipment including axes, tomahawks, and even spades!
The throwing lanes are open to individuals and groups alike so you can throw at your own pace or compete against your friends. The QLeisure centre is surrounded by the beautiful South Downs National Park, providing a great location to unwind in their coffee house and bar after a long day heaving axes at the range.
Website: www.qleisure.co.uk
Address: London Road, Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9BQ
Into The Blue
Starting out in 1996 with aviation days out in Biggin Hill, Into the Blue has expanded their repertoire to include Flying, Driving, Water Sports, and Outdoor Adventures. They organise axe throwing days all over the UK and provide for all experience levels. Starting off with the smaller, easier to handle 12” Ninja axes, before moving on to the wieldier tomahawks and bad axes (two-handed large axe), their instructors will guide you through it all.
If you feel like some variation in your target practice, Into the Blue offer a combination package which includes an hour of axe throwing, plus either archery with coaching from the Grand National Archery Society, or air rifle shooting with telescopic sights and a 40m target range.
Located on a farm estate within Falmer and the South Downs, you’ll be surrounded by 10 acres of woodland to encourage you to let out your inner lumberjack. This countrified setting lends itself to a relaxing nature walk around the nearby village of Stanmer after your session, and as the throwing range is close to the University of Sussex it’s easily accessible by public transport with Falmer Train Station only a short walk away.
Into the Blue’s outdoor sessions are available on selected weekdays and weekends throughout the year and are subject to weather conditions so make sure to check your weather app before booking!
Website: www.intotheblue.co.uk
Address: Saint Mary’s Farm, Ridge Road, Brighton, BN1 9PN
TRIBE
TRIBE’s inhouse residency at the popular North Laine Brewhouse creates the perfect coupling of two very viking-esque pastimes – throwing axes and drinking locally brewed beers! Of course, we suggest you do the former before the latter for obvious safety-related concerns but an axe throwing range set in the large brewhouse and pub sounds like the perfect place for a big birthday or similar occasion. Offering 90-minute slots for as little as £20 leaves you with enough money to enjoy a few pints afterwards!
TRIBE’s group of axe-slinging pros want to spread the joy and fun of the activity, with some friendly competition and prizes to be won it’s a great way to experience the sport! TRIBE also have a mobile axe throwing cage, so if you fancy trying out axe throwing in a more familiar space, or fancy seeing your aunty lob a tomahawk in her floral dress and fascinator at your wedding, TRIBE can make this a possibility!
Instagram: @tribeaxethrowing
Address: North Laine Pub and Brewery, 27 Gloucester Place, Brighton, BN1 4AA
